Dream Kitchen Remodel: Part 2 – Unveiling Our Progress & Design Journey

“This is the kitchen remodel that never ends…yes it goes on and on my friends….”

It feels like an eternity since I last shared an update on my exciting kitchen renovation journey after the introductory post. While things have been moving at a decidedly slower pace than anticipated – a familiar refrain in the world of home remodeling, I’ve come to learn – the excitement for the finished kitchen is absolutely palpable. Every day brings us closer to the grand reveal, and I’m crossing every finger and toe for no more delays as we enter the final stretch of this ambitious kitchen design project.

Despite the occasional hiccup and postponed installation, our new downtown Kansas City kitchen is truly on the brink of completion. The transformation is nothing short of breathtaking! The stunning new flooring, custom cabinetry, state-of-the-art appliances, and carefully selected lighting fixtures are all in place, and each element surpasses even my wildest imagination. I must confess, I found myself positively giddy with each new installation – a joy that didn’t escape the notice of our contractors, who playfully remarked that I was the most enthusiastic client they’d ever encountered! And honestly, who could blame me when seeing a dream kitchen materialize before your eyes?

Currently, the final, crucial step is the installation of our countertops, which, true to the remodel spirit, experienced yet another week-long postponement. Once these beautiful surfaces are in place, we can finally install our sink and cooktop. Then, the real magic begins: turning on our new appliances and truly bringing this kitchen to life. Believe me when I say, the moment that happens, I’ll be cooking up a storm and inviting everyone I know to experience this incredible space. This kitchen and I are more than ready to celebrate!

Until then, I’m thrilled to share a photographic journey of the remarkable progress we’ve made. For more real-time, day-to-day updates, be sure to follow my Instagram account. And of course, I promise a comprehensive post filled with every detail, picture, and design choice during our much-anticipated grand reveal week!

From Demolition to Design: The Foundation of Our Dream Kitchen

For those of you who followed along with our Kitchen Remodel: Part 1 post last month, you’ll remember the dramatic state we left things in. After completely gutting the previous kitchen, we were left with a blank canvas – exposed studs and an empty space awaiting its dramatic transformation. This was the moment where our vision for a modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing food blogger’s kitchen truly began to take shape.

Laying the Groundwork: Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Flooring

Our very first order of business in rebuilding this space was tackling the flooring. The previous kitchen sported an awful black industrial tile. Not only was it aesthetically unappealing, but it also highlighted every single speck of dirt – a nightmare for any kitchen, let alone one used daily by a food blogger! Furthermore, our design plans involved subtly expanding the kitchen’s footprint by a few feet, making the removal of the old tile a necessary and welcome change.

In its place, we’ve installed this absolutely beautiful new tile from Lowe’s! I’ll share more in-depth details about this specific selection during our reveal week, but I can already tell you how much I adore it. It’s not just stunning to look at, but it’s also incredibly solid and durable – perfect for a high-traffic area. The best part, however, is its incredible ability to subtly hide minor spills and dirt. As someone who spends countless hours cooking, baking, and creating in this space every single day, having low-maintenance, beautiful flooring is an absolute game-changer. It perfectly balances style with unparalleled practicality, ensuring our kitchen always looks its best, even amidst a flurry of culinary activity.

Building the Core: Expert Cabinetry Installation

Next on our agenda was the installation of the cabinets. However, this stage encountered a slight delay when we discovered that additional wiring and plumbing adjustments were required. It’s always something in a remodel, right? Tackling these essential infrastructural elements first was crucial to ensure a seamless and functional kitchen for years to come.

Once all the necessary wires and pipes were precisely in their correct positions, our excitement surged with the arrival of our beautiful new cabinets from Cabinet Giant! I had heard fantastic things about this company, as several friends had previously used them and raved about both the superior quality of their cabinetry and their very reasonable prices. What truly stood out in their recommendations, however, was how incredibly user-friendly these cabinets are to assemble – a significant factor in any renovation.

Despite their user-friendly design, hanging an entire kitchen’s worth of cabinets is a skill I certainly don’t possess. So, we were incredibly fortunate to have Nathan from Nathan’s Carpentry on board to expertly tackle this monumental task. To anyone in the Kansas City area contemplating cabinet installation, I cannot recommend Nathan and his team enough. He and his exceptionally handy wife – who, delightfully, turned out to be friends of friends – assembled and installed the entire kitchen of cabinets in an astonishing single day! Their efficiency and precision were truly remarkable, and Nathan did an outstanding job customizing the cabinetry perfectly to integrate our new appliances, ensuring a seamless and highly functional kitchen layout.

Watching the progress was incredible!

And that growing mountain of boxes in the background? By the end of that week, it was nearly double that size. So. Many. Boxes. It really puts into perspective the sheer volume of components that go into creating a functional and beautiful kitchen space!

The Heart of the Home: Installing State-of-the-Art Appliances

Once the elegant new cabinetry was perfectly in place, creating the framework for our culinary command center, we moved onto the long-awaited and much-anticipated arrival of my new appliances from Whirlpool!!! Oh my goodness, the excitement was almost unbearable. I had spent countless hours stalking this exquisite White Ice collection online, oohing and aahing over every detail. Then, seeing them in person at Nebraska Furniture Mart only solidified my adoration. To finally see them installed in my very own kitchen was an absolute dream come true, filling the space with a sense of modern elegance.

And oh, people, get ready for an absolute deluge of pictures and captivating stories during our grand reveal week, because I am madly, deeply, unequivocally in love with these appliances. They are more than just functional; they are truly a design statement. For anyone who has ever pondered whether a white-on-white kitchen is a good idea, let me wholeheartedly assure you: the Whirlpool White Ice line has elevated the entire kitchen’s aesthetic, making it look utterly outstanding. The clean lines, contemporary finish, and subtle sheen create a cohesive and incredibly chic atmosphere. You absolutely must check them out soon; they are a testament to how thoughtful appliance choices can define a kitchen’s entire character.

Bathing the Space in Light: Our New Lighting Scheme

After the appliances were meticulously installed, it was finally time to illuminate our newly transformed space. When the original kitchen was demolished, our 1000-square-foot loft space was plunged into a rather dim, if not entirely dark, state. So, the anticipation for getting these gorgeous new lights from Lowe’s installed was exceptionally high!

I must admit, I felt a slight tremor of nervousness about this particular aspect of the renovation. I’ve learned throughout this extensive process that interior design is far more challenging than it appears on paper. What looks perfectly envisioned in drawings doesn’t always translate flawlessly into reality. However, I was absolutely thrilled to discover that my idea to mix and match different sets of my favorite lighting fixtures from Lowe’s actually turned out even better in person than I had dared to hope! The interplay of various designs and light sources creates a dynamic and inviting ambiance.

I can’t wait to dive into more details about our lighting choices during the reveal week. But for now, let me just assure you that there is now a lot of beautifully distributed voltage happening in this loft, which makes me incredibly happy. A well-lit room, especially a kitchen where so much activity takes place, truly is my happy place. The right lighting transforms a functional space into an inspiring haven.

Beyond the Kitchen: A New Dining & Entertainment Hub

Finally, an exciting new development has emerged in conjunction with this kitchen remodel that I am absolutely thrilled about! While I was scoping out the perfect appliances at Nebraska Furniture Mart – the incredible mega-store in town that also handled our appliance installation – I happened to browse their dining table section. My old dining table had simply become too small for my entertaining needs, and I was on the hunt for a grander centerpiece for my space. And what do you know? I found one!

This magnificent beauty from Broyhill is even more stunning in person. It boasts a rich, elegant wood finish and a wonderfully sturdy design, perfect for supporting abundant feasts and lively gatherings. But more than its sheer beauty and robustness, it offers generous seating for up to 10 people! This addition truly transforms my loft into an ultimate entertaining zone. I’m already envisioning and planning my very first grand dinner party, eager to fill this space with friends, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. This table isn’t just furniture; it’s an invitation for connection and celebration.

The Penultimate Steps: Countertops, Sink & Faucet

So now, we are back to the familiar waiting game, eagerly anticipating the arrival and installation of our countertops. Our adorable supervisor, Henry, diligently oversaw the measurements, so I’m confident we’re all set to proceed! I’m just crossing my fingers that they will arrive pronto, allowing me to finally get back to my true passion: cooking. Being a food blogger in a loft without fully functional countertops has proven to be a little more challenging than expected, but I know it’s only a matter of time before this kitchen genuinely feels like home, bustling with culinary creativity.

And then, as soon as those countertops are securely in place, we can finally unpack this gorgeous cast iron sink from Kohler, along with its sleek touchless faucet. It’s currently staying tucked away in its protective box, and for good reason – this baby is seriously heavy! The quality and craftsmanship are evident even before installation. I just know it’s going to be an absolutely awesome, functional, and beautiful addition to our kitchen, making everyday tasks a breeze.

Thank you so much for following along on this incredible journey. Your support and excitement mean the world! Please be sure to check out the amazing brands who have been such generous, and incredibly patient, sponsors throughout this entire project. I am beyond grateful for each and every one of them for helping to bring my dream kitchen to life!

Gimme Some AMAZING Kitchen Remodel Sponsors!

Whirlpool
A leader in home appliance innovation, Whirlpool has provided us with appliances that blend cutting-edge technology with stunning design. Their White Ice collection is a game-changer for modern kitchens.

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Cabinet Giant
Offering exceptional quality and user-friendly assembly, Cabinet Giant supplied the backbone of our kitchen’s storage and style. Their commitment to affordable excellence made our custom kitchen vision possible.

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Lowe’s
Our trusted partner for essential home improvement needs, Lowe’s provided the beautiful and practical flooring, as well as the diverse and stylish lighting fixtures that bring warmth and brightness to our space.

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Kohler
Known for their exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design, Kohler is providing the robust cast iron sink and the state-of-the-art touchless faucet, blending functionality with sophisticated aesthetics.

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Nebraska Furniture Mart
More than just appliances, Nebraska Furniture Mart also helped us discover the perfect Broyhill dining table, transforming our loft into an ultimate entertaining destination alongside our Whirlpool appliances.

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Disclaimer: Products for this kitchen remodel are being SO generously sponsored by Whirlpool, Cabinet Giant, Lowe’s, Kohler, and Nebraska Furniture Mart. All opinions will be my own as always, but I am thrilled to be working with them and grateful to share about it with you, giving an authentic look into our kitchen transformation journey.